Getting ready for the return of our guests

This week, Br. David went to Toronto for a two week mission trip. Br. Josép completed a family visit to his mom in St Petersburg, FL. This weekend, our postulant Jeff Costello started a one week pre-clothing leave at St Mary's House, up the driveway.

Br. Bernard visited Br. Bede at his nursing home, the Meadows in Rhinebeck, NY. We caught up on monastic news and then sang vespers together. Br. Bede keeps a couple of monastic breviaries in his room for just such an opportunity. His voice is feebler than in the days of old but he still knows the music inside out.

Monastery people. From top, clockwise: Br. Josép's mom, Elba and her home care aide enjoying freshly opened coconuts; Br. Josép kissing goodbye to his mom at the end of his stay: Bros. Bernard and John on a walk on Floyd Ackert Rd near the monastery: Bros. Bernard and Bede after having sung Vespers for two in his nursing home room.

Our Guesthouse has been thoroughly cleaned and maintained and repaired and spruced up in view of our guests returning this first day of September. The monks are taking advantage of the last wide open days for walks, hikes and visits. On Tuesday, we go back to our full schedule of church services (during August, we dispensed the midday diurnum and the evening compline).

Inside and out. From top left, clockwise: a riotous clematis on the vegetable garden fence: the morning sun shining throug stainde glass above the Lady and Child statue; close-up on the orchid gracing the statue; a harvest of "volunteer squashes" emerging from where we spread our compost.

We hope many of you will get to come and rest, pray and worship with us at the monastery in the months to come.